New Restaurant Closes After Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

ST. CHARLES, IL — A St. Charles restaurant that recently opened has decided to temporarily shut its door after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The Graceful Ordinary, at 3. E Main. St., opened in the past month and made the decision to close on Thursday, Nov. 18, after learning of the employees' positive coronavirus test, according to a letter to the community posted on the Graceful Ordinary's Facebook page.

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The employee last worked at the Graceful Ordinary the morning of Nov. 17, according to the letter from owners Chris and Megan Curren and Curt and Conrad Hurst. The employee did not report having any COVID-19 symptoms.

"Thank you for the support you’ve given us during our opening this past month. In the spirt of full transparency, we wanted to let you know that one of our employees has just tested positive for COVID-19," according to the letter posted on Thursday, Nov. 18. "Effective immediately, we’ve made the decision to close the restaurant until we are able to further asses the situation and collectively decide as a team that we are comfortable reopening."

The restaurant planned to notify all who dined at the restaurant on Thursday, Nov. 18. Staff members who were directly exposed will be tested and required to provide a negative test result before returning to work, according to the letter.

The restaurant also plans to require mandatory testing for its staff every week moving forward.

"Your support and excitement surrounding our recent opening has meant the world to us. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding and will keep you updated on re-opening plans as we have more information to share," according to the letter.

You can check for updates on the Graceful Ordinary's reopening on Facebook.

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